Seven treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holy Scriptures, leading…Seuen treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holie Scriptures, leading…

but let me be so ⟨p. 409⟩§Amuch the more profitable in every good work whiles thou givest me so many helps thereto, then in afflictions I could be; that so I may serve thy majesty with a sound mind and body, so far as thou shalt see it expedient. And yet not promising to my self continuance of peace and prosperity, but to look for my change: to learn to be abased, and to want: and contentedly, thankfully and patiently to take up that cross which thou shalt allot unto me; receiving much comfort in the trial of my faith by thy chastising of me, and for that I know that in great mercy and love thou doest it. And (good Lord) keep from me heavy judgements which are above my strength: and when thou freest me from many troubles,¹ let me in no wise §Btrouble my self with an evil conscience. And because I am occupied about many things in the day, and therefore am more ready (through the Devils malice and vigilancie, who seeketh all occasions against me) to be unsettled and brought out of frame, grant (most loving Father) that I may at such times remember, how I ought to have a stayed mind and constant, ever counting one thing to be necessary in the middest of all my business, dealings and variety of actions: and that is, that I may highly prize thy word, that so I may do thy will; seeing I have then most need of this grace of faithfulness and care, when the danger is greatest. And yet,² if I should be overtaken with any forgetfulness, and unawares be prevented by Satan, slipping §Cinto any security, rashness, earthliness of mind, or such like blind-folding of me that I should be thereby unsettled, and this my course of holy walking be broken off; yet (good Lord) leave me not over-long in that danger: grant me to espy my fall and offence whatsoever it be, and not to hide it in any wise, but speedily to acknowledge it, that I may obtain mercy for it at thy hands, & so may return to thee again, because I have sufficiently seen and tried that it is no living, but worse then death,³ to have thee at any time against me. Lastly, I most humbly beseech thee, that I may so warily carry my self throughout this day in all that I go about, that I may not be unwilling to view my doings and what hath been done amiss, at evening, and reverently §Dlook back and examine how I have spent it, and that by these rules whereby I have prayed to be directed:

but let me be so ⟨p. 409⟩§Amuch the more profitable in euerie good worke whiles thou giuest me so many helpes thereto, then in afflictions I could be; that so I may serue thy maiestie with a sound mind and bodie, so farre as thou shalt see it expedient. And yet not promising to my selfe continuance of peace and prosperitie, but to looke for my chaunge: to learne to be abased, and to want: and contentedly, thankfully and patiently to take vp that crosse which thou shalt allot vnto me; receiuing much comfort in the triall of my faith by thy chastizing of me, and for that I know that in great mercie and loue thou doest it. And (good Lord) keepe from me heauie iudgements which are aboue my strength: and when thou freest me from manie troubles,¹ let me in no wise §Btrouble my selfe with an euill conscience. And because I am occupied about many things in the day, and therefore am more readie (through the Diuels malice and vigilancie, who seeketh all occasions against me) to be vnsetled and brought out of frame, graunt (most louing Father) that I may at such times remember, how I ought to haue a stayed mind and constant, euer counting one thing to be necessarie in the middest of all my businesse, dealings and varietie of actions: and that is, that I may highly prize thy word, that so I may do thy will; seeing I haue then most need of this grace of faithfulnesse and care, when the danger is greatest. And yet,² if I should be ouertaken with any forgetfulnesse, and vnawares be preuented by Sathan, slipping §Cinto any securitie, rashnesse, earthlinesse of mind, or such like blind-folding of me that I should be thereby vnsetled, and this my course of holy walking be broken off; yet (good Lord) leaue me not ouer-long in that danger: graunt me to espie my fall and offence whatsoeuer it be, and not to hide it in any wise, but speedily to acknowledge it, that I may obtaine mercie for it at thy hands, & so may returne to thee againe, because I haue sufficiētly seene and tried that it is no liuing, but worse then death,³ to haue thee at any time against me. Lastly, I most humbly beseech thee, that I may so warily cary my selfe throughout this day in all that I go about, that I may not be vnwilling to view my doings and what hath bene done amisse, at euening, and reuerently §Dlooke backe and examine how I haue spent it, and that by these rules whereby I haue prayed to be directed:

1. 19 Against unsettledness by any occasion.9 Against vnsetlednesse by any occasion.
2. 210 In sliding to return speedily, and not to lie still.10 In sliding to returne speedily, and not to lie still.
3. 311 For locking back and examining the actions of the day.11 For locking backe and examining the actions of the day.

and that I may be willing to see where I have failed, that I may the better know what badness doth still remain in me;¹ that so I may have just occasion to humble my self and confess my sin to thee, and may make an end of all breaches, not lying down in any of them unrepented. Let me count this no burden nor toil to do it, (as the most of the world do, who thereby provide so many after-reckonings for themselves, that they cannot answer one among a thousand of them.) And by all my weaknesses, neglects of duty and out-strayings let me not be discouraged to leave off this daily looking to my ways, but to increase my care rather. §EAnd wherein so ever I shall see and find, that I have obtained grace in any good sort to be guided by the direction which thy word setteth before me, there I may be joyful and thankful that thou makest any part of my duty easy to me, which I know to have been far otherwise. And thus let me have good proof, that in all the carriage of my self and in every part of my life I am a stranger on earth, as my forefathers were; and lie down in peace at night, even as this morning, through thy goodness, I appear before thy ⟨p. 410⟩Majesty. And for the nourishing and preserving of this Christian liberty in §Fme, and that I may walk after this direction carefully, let my prayers be oft (as I may be able to offer them) and earnestly continued this day, and watchfulness adjoined thereto, as thou hast taught me: that although this manner of living be not regarded in the world, yet I having obtained of thy Majesty to make it my delight, and knowing the incredible gain that cometh by it, I may be resolute and throughly persuaded to make it my practise, not only this day, but every day hereafter wheresoever I shall become, or in what estate and condition soever I shall be. That by the faithful continuance of this Christian course, I may see my profiting daily in the denying of my self and little esteeming of this world, and so have good testimony that I §Glive by faith: and that when I shall be grey-headed, and wax old, I may have mine old age blessed unto me, and not full of tediousness and weariness, idleness and unprofitableness, waywardness, frowardness and such like annoyances, whiles I acquaint my self now with the renouncing and forsaking my will in these and such like:

that thus my latter days may be better then my former. And for the obtaining of grace to the practising of all duties this day,¹ arm me with the armour of a Christian, that my particular actions may by the help thereof be well ordered: that by the armour of faith I may be able to believe all times, and be kept from doubting and distrust in thee what occasions soever may be offered me of the same; that I §Hstanding and abiding in faith constantly, may find and feel the sweet fruit and benefit of that part of my armour: and that I may be so settled in hope, that I may not faint even in straits, though I see no way (to mans reason) of good issue, but by patience may be upholden. That I may so be clothed with the breast-plate of righteousness, that I may not fear any danger by false accusations and malicious tongues; but may bring forth plentifully the fruits of righteousness in all my dealings, and mine innocency may shine as light in the world. That my knowledge, by thy word may direct me to discern good from evil, truth from error, and so may keep my feet from falling, by the deceitfulness of sin. That I being shod with the shoes §Iof peace, may not only have peace of mind in the time of health and prosperity, but be prepared thereby to go on my journey of this life ever, in sickness and tribulation also. And lastly, that I may be so girded about with sincerity and integrity, that I may be far from all hollowness and hypocrisy, and may carry my self in plainness and simplicity throughout. And that behaviour in my heart or life which will not stand with this course, let be, as I have prayed, as superfluous rubbish cut off and cast from me, and let me have nothing to do with it, that my life may be free from dangerous and reproachful evils. And whatsoever else thou knowest expedient for me, bodily or spiritual, in this life or that which is to come, grant it to me for §KChrists sake: to whom with thee (ô Father) and the holy Ghost, be all honour and glory for ever. Amen.

that thus my latter dayes may be better then my former. And for the obtaining of grace to the practising of all duties this day,¹ arme me with the armour of a Christian, that my particular actions may by the helpe thereof be well ordered: that by the armour of faith I may be able to beleeue all times, and be kept from doubting and distrust in thee what occasions soeuer may be offered me of the same; that I

The end of the fourth Treatise.

THE FIFTH TREATISE, SHOWING THE LETS §BWHICH HINDER THE SINCERE COURSE OF THE CHRIstian life before described.

THE FIFT TREATISE, SHEVVING THE LETS §BVVHICH HINDER THE SINCERE COVRSE OF THE CHRIstian life before described.

CHAP. 1. Of the sum and order of this Treatise, and how it agreeth well with the former.

CHAP. 1. Of the summe and order of this Treatise, and how it agreeth well with the former.

AS it is the love of God, which constraineth and enableth us to love him, and therefore to endeavour to obey him; so the wicked who are not beloved of him, cannot love nor serve him: therefore it were infinite, and not to my purpose here, to make a large discourse of this, What lets hinder them from the same, seeing it is no one particularly, but many which hold them from a godly life, as also from faith. But seeing the most of the impediments which hinder them altogether, are also stops and stays to Gods dear servants, so that they be not so clear lights in giving good example as they §Dmight, and as were meet for them: therefore for the better furthering of them in the way to a godly life, I will by that occasion lay forth some of them which hinder both: but chiefly I will show how the poor children of God be holden back, and so become more offensive; and give such help as I can against the same: for that is the point which I propound in this Treatise to acquaint the Reader with. And first to say somewhat generally before I proceed.

AS it is the loue of God, which constraineth and inableth vs to loue him, and therefore to indeuour to obey him; so the wicked who are not beloued of him, cannot loue nor serue him: therefore it were infinite, and not to my purpose here, to make a large discourse of this, What lets hinder them from the same, seeing it is no one particularly, but many which hold them from a godly life, as also from faith. But seeing the most of the impediments which hinder them altogether, are also stops and stayes to Gods deare seruants, so that they be not so cleare lights in giuing good example as they §Dmight, and as were meete for them: therefore for the better furthering of them in the way to a godly life, I will by that occasion lay foorth some of them which hinder both: but chiefly I will shew how the poore children of God be holden backe, and so become more offensiue; and giue such helpe as I can against the same: for that is the point which I propound in this Treatise to acquaint the Reader with. And first to say somewhat generally before I proceed.

He that faithfully useth the daily direction set down before, or the like,¹ shall be furnished daily with the munition that a Christian shall need against his greatest enemies, and (as I have said) shall find rest to his soul daily: which §Eotherwise is not to be found nor enjoyed constantly of any, neither the beauty and felicity of a godly life in any sort possessed as it may. For though I dream of no perfection in this life, yet he that walketh in this royal way, shall not doubt where he is, and whether he be out of his way; as other shall from time to time: he shall be accompanied throughout the day and from day to day, with faith, hope, love, humility, meekness, righteousness, uprightness, patience, temperance, somewhat armed against trouble, having ⟨p. 412⟩the word (according to the measure of his knowledge and faith) ready to §Fguide him what to follow and what to refuse.

He that faithfully vseth the daily direction set downe before, or the like,¹ shall be furnished daily with the munition that a Christian shall need against his greatest enemies, and (as I haue said) shall find rest to his soule daily: which §Eotherwise is not to be found nor enioyed constantly of any, neither the beautie and felicitie of a godly life in any sort possessed as it may. For though I dreame of no perfection in this life, yet he that walketh in this royall way, shall not doubt where he is, and whether he be out of his way; as other shall from time to time: he shall be accompanied throughout the day and from day to day, with faith, hope, loue, humilitie, meekenesse, righteousnesse, vprightnesse, patience, temperancie, somewhat armed against trouble, hauing ⟨p. 412⟩the word (according to the measure of his knowledge and faith) readie to §Fguide him what to follow and what to refuse.

Now therefore it might seem needless to say any more about this matter. And indeed this I say, that he who is settled firmly in the practise of that which is before set down, shall find every day less to hinder him then other, and the Christian life more easy to him. But because we are not ignorant of Satan's enterprises (who,¹ as he is first hardly cast out, and with much ado: so he is afterward more fierce and subtle to hinder such as have escaped his hands) therefore I will not bear the reader in hand, that this direction, or the like, will be as easily observed and kept constantly, as read and learned, lest he finding it otherwise, should be discouraged and set further back: but as I §Ghave said of the parts already, with how much ado they shall be practised; so I say much more of the whole, that seeing it is a chaining up of the unruly thoughts and desires of the heart, it will at the first seem the more difficult. But although they escape that first plunge (I mean, not to renounce and cast off the practise of it altogether through the difficulty and hardness which seemeth to be in it, but will conceive hope that God will strengthen them to abide constantly therein; which is a great conquest:) yet they must know, that there will fall out very many lets to hinder and hold them back one time or other, and one way or other, to make the doctrine which should direct them, without fruit unto them. The devil (as I have said) will lay sundry §Hblocks in their way, to hinder them from going forward in and after this course of living by faith daily.

Now therefore it might seeme needlesse to say any more about this matter. And indeed this I say, that he who is setled firmely in the practise of that which is before set downe, shall find euery day lesse to hinder him then other, and the Christian life more easie to him. But because we are not ignorant of Sathans enterprises (who,¹ as he is first hardly cast out, and with much ado: so he is afterward more fierce and subtill to hinder such as haue escaped his hands) therefore I will not beare the reader in hand, that this direction, or the like, will be as easily obserued and kept constantly, as read and learned, lest he finding it otherwise, should be discouraged and set further backe: but as I

Besides these, there are some which desire to please God from their harts though not acquainted with any direction how to be guided, but come far behind them:¹ we must therefore seek, how to prop up and bring on them which are thus weak, as well as give rules to the strong; and endeavour to bring them by little and little to this estate, as well as teach the other how to keep in the good course which they have attained to. Finally, we must in a wise and tender regard of their frailties (as forgetfulness, earthly mindedness,² coldness, slothfulness, also of their ignorance and other wants of §Iexperience) teach them (as God hath taught us) how to rise when they are fallen, & to come into the way when by occasion they are gone out: that thus they may not be too much dismayed by their infirmities, but rather strongly encouraged to have better acquaintance with the life of a Christian, seeing there are so many helps, means and incitements thereto granted to them by God. Also to make them better see themselves, the vileness which remaineth in them, and Satan's malice and other of his properties, how many things he layeth in their way to make them stumble thereat: that the reading of these may hold them from security, and from faintness and weariness (in their Christian course) whereto they are most inclined of themselves §Kthough they were set forward thereto by no other.

Besides these, there are some which desire to please God from their harts though not acquainted with any direction how to be guided, but come farre behind them:¹ we must therefore seeke, how to proppe vp and bring on thē which are thus weake, as well as giue rules to the strong; and indeuour to bring them by litle and litle to this estate, as well as teach the other how to keepe in the good course which they haue attained to. Finally, we must in a wise and tender regard of their frailties (as forgetfulnesse, earthly mindednesse,² coldnesse, slouthfulnesse, also of their ignorance and other wants of

Now although, as oft as a man practiseth not this or the like daily direction, it is certain that he is letted; yet every one seeth it not to be so by and by, neither how or by what he is letted; much less how to redress it: therefore is this place and treatise of the lets most needful, to show what lets will lye in our way to hold us from following good direction, and from practising ⟨p. 413⟩§Aof the Christian life daily; that they being known, may be prevented and avoided, so far as we may have peace, (which shall be, if the rules for directing us be carefully observed:) or at leastwise if we be hindered any manner of way, yet we may see how, and so having remedies at hand, we may be glad to repair speedily unto them, and thereby return into the way again.

Now although, as oft as a man practiseth not this or the like daily direction, it is certaine that he is letted; yet euery one seeth it not to be so by and by, neither how or by what he is letted; much lesse how to redresse it: therefore is this place and treatise of the lets most needfull, to shew what lets will lye in our way to hold vs from following good direction, and from practising ⟨p. 413⟩§Aof the Christian life daily; that they being knowne, may be preuented and auoided, so farre as we may haue peace, (which shall be, if the rules for directing vs be carefully obserued:) or at leastwise if we be hindred any manner of way, yet we may see how, and so hauing remedies at hand, we may be glad to repaire speedily vnto them, and thereby returne into the way againe.

And therefore I have thought it expedient to signify the same in this chapter, and that my purpose is, to speak in the whole treatise following, of these and such like matters of purpose, for the help and comfort of such as cannot yet find the Lords yoke to be easy, nor his commandments pleasant and sweet unto them at one time as another, in one point as in another, §Bbut toilsome and burdensome. So that although I have in the first treatise said somewhat particularly for their sakes, as I could take fit occasion to do: yet because I know that many who are willing to live well and christianly, do make a toil thereof, and do not find any great pleasure in the duties of it; and therefore make question oftentimes (seeing they find it so hard) whether they were best to go forward, or no; especially when they have been driven to commit any shameful sin: therefore I think it very expedient to remove these dangerous thoughts, and show them some way to come out of this uncomfortableness.

And therefore I haue thought it expedient to signifie the same in this chapter, and that my purpose is, to speake in the whole treatise following, of these and such like matters of purpose, for the helpe and comfort of such as cannot yet find the Lords yoke to be easie, nor his commaundements pleasant and sweet vnto them at one time as another, in one point as in another, §Bbut toilesome and burthensome. So that although I haue in the first treatise said somewhat particularly for their sakes, as I could take fit occasion to do: yet because I know that many who are willing to liue well and christianly, do make a toyle thereof, and do not find any great pleasure in the duties of it; and therefore make question oftentimes (seeing they find it so hard) whether they were best to go forward, or no; especially when they haue bene driuen to commit any shamefull sinne: therefore I thinke it very expedient to remoue these daungerous thoughts, and shew them some way to come out of this vncomfortablenesse.

Now the main and chief lets are, the devil with all his force, subtlety §Cand malice; and our evil hearts so far as they are unreformed: and by means of both, all things in the world, though not in their own nature, but by them made occasions to us of falling and offending God. Whereby may be gathered, what I mean by lets and hinderances in this treatise,¹ even whatsoever may hold us back from peace with God. Now all these and every of them is able to break off our course in godliness, that we shall not bend our minds otherwise then in some general sort and manner to worship God, and live with men: and although they prevail not so with all, that they break off their course altogether, yet some one part or other of the godly life shall be neglected; and so one day after another, it shall continue with them in such §Dwise, that their rejoicing in the Lord shall fail, neither shall their light shine amongst men, whereby God might be glorified. In this darkness and bondage the most part of Gods people are holden: so that although they have some little sight of redemption, and dim hope at some times that their sins are forgiven them, yet neither enjoy they their part in this any long time, nor their sweet liberty in godliness, which they should have in all estates; both which the Lord hath granted to enjoy, as I have showed before. They must therefore learn carefully to resist all such lets, as they shall know to stand up in their way to hinder them: of these therefore I mean to give a taste, and of the chief and most of them, that we may see and discern §Ethem, and show some help against them.

Now the maine and chiefe lets are, the diuell with all his force, subtiltie §Cand malice; and our euill hearts so farre as they are vnreformed: and by means of both, all things in the world, though not in their owne nature, but by thē made occasions to vs of falling and offending God. Whereby may be gathered, what I meane by lets and hinderances in this treatise,¹ euen whatsoeuer may hold vs backe from peace with God. Now all these and euery of them is able to breake off our course in godlinesse, that we shall not bend our minds otherwise then in some generall sort and manner to worship God, and liue with men: and although they preuaile not so with all, that they breake off their course altogether, yet some one part or other of the godly life shall be neglected; and so one day after another, it shall continue with them in such

And first generally I will set down the properties of the devil, as,¹ his malice, subtlety, cruelty and the like, by the which in sundry sort he worketh upon the hearts of poor Christians, and deceiveth them infinite ways: and together with these, I will set down the encouragements which God hath given them against the same, which be far greater then many of them do think.

And first generally I will set downe the properties of the diuell, as,¹ his malice, subtiltie, crueltie and the like, by the which in sundrie sort he worketh vpon the hearts of poore Christians, and deceiueth them infinite wayes: and together with these, I will set downe the encouragements which God hath giuen them against the same, which be farre greater then many of them do thinke.

1. 1First, of lets in general.First, of lets in generall.

¹And secondly, more particularly of the several kinds of lets and hinderances §Fwhich Satan raiseth up against them; and the kinds of them; and which they be; and how he useth their hearts and the world as his instruments to overthrow them: and the particular remedies against the same, whereby such as are encumbered with any of these lets, may count it no strange thing, neither be dismayed thereat; and by this which they shall read, may be provided of some help and deliverance.

¹And secondly, more particularly of the seuerall kinds of lets and hinderances §Fwhich Sathan raiseth vp against them; and the kinds of them; and which they be; and how he vseth their hearts and the world as his instruments to ouerthrow them: and the particular remedies against the same, wherby such as are incumbred with any of these lets, may count it no strange thing, neither be dismayed thereat; and by this which they shall reade, may be prouided of some helpe and deliuerance.

1. 1Then after, of the particular kinds of them, and what they be.Then after, of the particular kinds of them, and vvhat they be.